Zvamaida Murwira and Joseph Madzimure
THE 23rd ZANU PF National People’s Conference has directed Government ministries, departments, and agencies to accelerate infrastructure development and utilities, such as dam construction and road rehabilitation, to boost local economic activity and ensure national food security.
The directive forms part of several resolutions adopted at the recently concluded ruling party conference, which focused on key political, social, and economic indicators.
The resolutions were read out by the party’s Secretary for Legal Affairs, Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi.
“That the party directs Government to accelerate water harvesting and utilisation under the Government’s Dam per District Programme to ensure food security and expedite the provision of renewable energy solutions as part of the rural electrification and industrialisation programme,” read the resolutions.
“Accelerate the completion of all development infrastructure projects to enhance local economic activities, expedite the development and implementation of master plans for dams and prioritise the funding of secondary road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance as well as the procurement of necessary road construction equipment.”
Prime projects currently under construction include Kunzvi Dam in Mashonaland East Province, which is around 74 per cent complete and has begun impounding water to alleviate perennial water shortages in greater Harare, and the Gwayi-Shangani Dam near Bulawayo.
In its preamble, the conference noted the infrastructure strides registered under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.
“Cognisant of the strides towards the development of critical infrastructure such as roads, energy, water, housing, health and education facilities that constitute the foundation for sustainable economic growth, industrialisation and modernisation,” the preamble reads.
Cde Ziyambi said the conference commended President Mnangagwa’s transformative and visionary leadership, noting that under his guidance, the World Bank removed Zimbabwe from its classification of Fragile and Conflict-Affected Economies.
The conference also reaffirmed ZANU PF’s commitment to the equitable distribution of resources and inclusive socio-economic participation. Among other administrative resolutions, the conference directed the Government to ensure that candidates for employment in public institutions receive recommendations from the party.
On food security and nutrition, the party directed the Government to accelerate the processing and issuance of offer letters, permits, and title deeds to qualifying resettled farmers.
“Strengthen monitoring and supervision of Presidential Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs to ensure timely availability and transparent distribution to farmers. Ensure timely availability of farming inputs on the market,” the resolutions stated.
Regarding macroeconomic stability, Cde Ziyambi said the party directed the Government to expedite the review of the Diaspora Policy to promote direct investment into productive sectors.
“Timeously comply with recommended remedial action in all audit reports. Activate local empowerment for projects through the provision of quotas to local contractors. Expedite debt arrears clearance and resolution to unlock capital,” Cde Ziyambi said, adding that the party resolved to support the roadmap for transition to a mono-currency.
On inclusive growth, the conference directed the implementation of robust skills development programmes to formalise micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It also directed investors to fulfil their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) obligations in host communities by supporting local infrastructure.
On value addition, the party directed the Government to maintain the ban on the export of raw materials and establish special economic zones in each province.
“Enforce the use-it-or-lose-it policy on title to mining claims. Expedite transparent issuing and processing of mining certificates,” Cde Ziyambi stated.
Turning to social services, the party directed the Government to develop the manufacturing capacity of the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) to enhance drug availability, and called for the clearance of outstanding school fees arrears relating to the children of liberation war veterans.
On foreign policy, the Government was directed to strengthen its engagement and re-engagement policy while capacitating diplomatic missions and ZimTrade.
The ruling party also resolved to amend its constitution to align the party’s electoral cycle with the national Constitution, postponing its elective congress from 2027 to 2029 and endorsing President Mnangagwa to remain party leader until 2030. The resolution further confirmed President Mnangagwa as ZANU PF’s presidential candidate for the next national elections, with provincial chairpersons affirming that the decision reflected the will of the grassroots.
